Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan - Fairbanks North Star ...

Why Master Plan the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Now?
The concept for the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area was originally developed
about 15 years ago by the FNSB and their need to extract gravel for use at the
South Cushman Landfill. There is a financial benefit linked to extracting gravel
from within the proposed recreation area. The State of Alaska Department of
Natural Resources (ADNR) owns lands within the project area.
As of January 1, 2007, ADNR charges the FNSB a royalty fee of $3.00 per
cubic yard for gravel extracted from these lands. However, this fee would
be waived if the extracted lands were reclaimed to contribute to a public use
area, such as a recreation area or park.
Aside from the economic benefit, there is a more critical benefit to be realized:
public safety. Today the area is host to a variety of illicit and criminal activities,
making it difficult, even impossible at times, for the community to enjoy the
scenic views, wildlife, and other resources the area has to offer. While gravel
extraction remains a key component of planning and developing the site, the
FNSB also recognizes the need to reclaim this deteriorating area and launched
a restoration effort in the fall of 2006 to begin cleaning up the area.
As with many Master Plans, there is strong public demand to add recreational
resources for the community and preserve existing natural resources in the
Tanana Lakes area. The Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan has
become a priority, not only driven by recreation and preservation, but also by
public safety, and the importance of establishing this area for the community’s
use and enjoyment.
FNSB - Department of Parks and Recreation
TANANA LAKES MASTER PLAN 1-5